Over 40% Of Workers Leave Holiday Entitlements Unused

New research by FRS Recruitment reveals that over 40% of employees left their holiday entitlements unused last year. Almost 20% of workers failed to take at least five days of annual leave, equivalent to a week off.

(Also read Oasis Reunion Rumours Heat Up as Gallagher Brothers Tease Big Announcement.)

The survey shows that 15% of people did not use four days of leave, 17% had three days remaining, and 19% left two days unused. Additionally, 3% had one day of holiday left at the end of the year.

Holiday Entitlements Unused as Workers Opt for Shorter Breaks and Domestic Travel

The FRS Recruitment Annual Leave Report highlights that nearly half of those surveyed used their leave for domestic travel. Around 46% travelled abroad, while 15% took leave for family reasons, 9% for personal reasons, and 4% due to illness.

A quarter of respondents reported taking less than a week of leave at a time, with 38% enjoying breaks of up to two weeks. About 31% said unused leave is lost, whereas a similar number carry it over to the next year.

Over 25% of workers receive payment for unused leave. The report also found that nearly 60% support unlimited annual leave, and 56% favour a four-day workweek, even with potential salary reductions.

Lynne McCormack, General Manager at FRS Recruitment, noted, “Holiday entitlements are a major negotiation point between employees and employers.” She added, “It’s concerning that so many employees are not taking all their allotted holidays.”